moving a eucalyptus in October

amandabrend62700 · October 2023

Hi Have a eucalyptus that ive planted too near the house ( 2m) I was planning to coppice it and keep it as bush... thinking that would restrict the root growth so as it wouldn't damage drains and house.. Am I right? if not can I dig it up and put it in a pot this time of year?

Plantminded · October 2023

I had one growing that close to my house for a few years. I coppiced it to restrict its growth a couple of times but then realised the soil wasn't deep enough for it to do well. I'd wait until early spring before coppicing or moving if you can. By coppicing your plant you will also reduce root growth. It is unlikely to do well in a pot unless you have a dwarf variety. This link should help you:

https://www.hardy-eucalyptus.com/help-and-advice/training-and-pruning-your-eucalyptus/

amandabrend62700 · October 2023

hello, yes ive have a look at this website before. Im not keen on the idea of a pot , but I am worried about drains and house foundations. The tree is about 6ft but the central leading branch is about 8ft (grown 2ft in few weeks)... if I cut the tree right down to a foot from ground and allow new shoots to coppice..next spring , will that STOP roots getting much bigger than they are now? if is I may keep the tree where it is

amandabrend62700 · October 2023

thanks.. im glad that you have had one as close as mine to you house and all is ok...

Plantminded · October 2023

I actually removed my tree after a couple of years as I realised I'd made a mistake! They are lovely trees but are not really suitable for a typical domestic garden unless regularly coppiced or pollarded. By restricting the foliar growth, the roots will be less vigorous as they will receive less food. However, they are very thirsty plants and the roots do actively seek out water so there's no guarantee that your drains and foundations won't be affected I'm afraid. Why not enjoy it in a pot for a while and then donate it to someone with a large garden perhaps.

GardenerSuze · October 2023

@amandabrend62700 A friend had one that grew close to a neighbours garage it got to a size with all best efforts it was difficult to prune over the years. In the end the garage had cracks in the walls. Also if you plan to move at any time it will come up on a survey.

Silver surfer · October 2023

We inherited a small one in our Welsh garden.
It grew quickly and in no time was huge.
Worst of all were the small white roots that spread a long long way from the trunk to form an shallow impenetrable carpet in the ground.
Nothing else would grow in this ground.
It got cut down.

I agree 100% with Plantminded it is not a suitable tree for a normal small garden.
Not will it be happy in a pot.

Beware of sewer pipes and foundations.

Eucalyptus trees are on a par with Poplar and Willows .....needing a lot of water

https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/trees/eucalyptus/eucalyptus-tree-root-damage.htm

https://www.geobear.co.uk/tree-root-subsidence/

https://www.72tree.com/eucalyptus-tree-information-pros-cons/
Quote from link above.
"Invasive Eucalyptus Roots

Since a eucalyptus tree’s lateral roots spread up to 100 feet outward, they are known to grow into ditches, plumbing pipes, and septic tanks, damaging, clogging, and cracking them. In fact, eucalyptus roots penetrating or lifting foundations is a common complaint when this species is planted too close to a home."

Dovefromabove · October 2023

I believe @punkdoc has had a coppiced eucalyptus in his garden for some time … he may have an idea about the roots …

nutcutlet · October 2023

they're quite difficult to get root-firm if moved, In a previous garden one moved so much it rubbed a hole in the pond liner

punkdoc · October 2023

I have 3 coppiced Eucalyptus' which I cut back each year. They grow about 4-6 foot in a year and I love them because I get the juvenile blue foliage each year. I grew them from seed and have had them about 10 years
I don't think they are a problem, as long as you ensure they are cut back every year.
I also have one in a plastic bucket which I have had the same amount of time and is still fine.
I would move it next Spring, after cutting it back.

Plantminded · October 2023

I'd like to grow Eucalyptus again but mine struggled after I coppiced it for the second time. Is it best to let the tree establish well, say for about 3 years, before coppicing @punkdoc? I think I also coppiced a Paulownia too soon and it went the same way, weak, spindly growth.

moving a eucalyptus in October

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